Bail reduced for father of boy mauled by dog
By Paul Gottlieb
Peninsula Daily News
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Matthew B. Sims, 38, also had his bail reduced from $100,000 to $10,000 by Clallam County Superior Court Judge George L. Wood.
If Sims pays $1,000, he will be free on bond.
He remained incarcerated at the Clallam County jail as of late Tuesday afternoon.
Sims will be arraigned on the charges at 9 a.m. Friday in Superior Court.
Depending on his criminal history, he could receive up to 10 years if found guilty of possession of a stolen vehicle and up to a year for reckless endangerment.
Sims' son, James, was mauled in the face, hands and arms by the family's 50-pound black Labrador mix, named Jack, on Feb. 3 while the boy was home alone.
James was treated for his injuries at Harborview Medical Center and released. He is in a foster home under the supervision of state Child Protective Services.
During their investigation, Port Angeles police said they also found evidence of vehicle theft.
Sims was arrested Thursday for investigation of two counts of possession of stolen motor vehicles, one count of second-degree possession of stolen property and second-degree criminal mistreatment, all felonies.
Sims allegedly told police he left his son alone to travel to Tacoma to steal a motorcycle.
The stolen vehicle Sims is charged with possessing is a motorcycle reported stolen in Auburn.
Police allegedly found the ignition key in his pocket.
Port Angeles police say the attack on James was unprovoked.
The dog is being held at the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society shelter west of Port Angeles.
Police have served notice on Sims that they intend to classify the dog as "dangerous," meaning it cannot come in contact with children.
Sims can appeal the notice to Clallam County District Court.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ann Lundwall said that more charges may be filed against Sims as the investigation progresses.
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Staff writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-417-3536 or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: February 10. 2010 12:47AM
To keep it simple, dog should be put down, father (if you can call him that, I can't) should stay in jail for a long time and James must be given every chance to grow to be the fine young man he can and will be, despite his circumstances.
He is a good kid and deserves a chance for a good life.
Our prayers are with him.